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Abplanalp to Lead Women’s Speed Program

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USSA

2014-04-10 11:05

Stefan Abplanalp has been named the new head coach of the U.S. Ski Team women's alpine speed program (Getty Images)

PARK CITY, UT (April 10) – Veteran alpine speed coach Stefan Abplanalp has officially joined the U.S. Ski Team as head coach of the women’s alpine speed team. Abplanalp brings strong experience to a veteran team that includes six-time Audi FIS Alpine World Cup downhill champion Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) and four-time Olympic medalist Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA). The Swiss born coach is already at the Center of Excellence in Park City working with athletic staff to shape his program for the 2015 season, which includes the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships at Vail/Beaver Creek, CO.

HIGHLIGHTS

Veteran coach Stefan Abplanalp has been tabbed to serve as the head coach for the U.S. Ski Team women’s alpine World Cup speed program.

Vonn and McKennis will both be returning to action after missing most of the 2014 Olympic season due to injury.

He moves into the position effective immediately, replacing Chip White, who has moved on after 18 years with the U.S. Ski Team.

Abplanalp spent the last two seasons leading the Norwegian women’s program to a powerful resurgence. Before that he spent eight seasons with the dominant Swiss women’s speed team.

He is currently at the Center of Excellence in Park City, UT working with U.S. Ski Team athletic staff to shape his 2015 training program.

QUOTESStefan Abplanalp, U.S. Ski Team – Women’s Speed Head CoachThe U.S. Ski Team is an incredibly well managed and respected sports organization. When you walk into the Center of Excellence, the core values are clear. I admire that and intend to utilize every bit of knowledge within the organization to help these athletes succeed.

From this culture of success, it’s up to me to build a fire within my staff that drives us to execute the best plan to help each athlete perform at their highest level in every race. It will be a challenge, but as coach I seek challenges and the potential with this group is limitless.

Alex Hoedlmoser, U.S. Ski Team – Women’s Alpine Head CoachThis is already a strong group of athletes, so we needed an experienced and athlete respected coach with a proven track record. We have that in Stef. He has the ability to motivate in a positive manner that continues to progress our unique environment of success, while keeping the fun atmosphere that make this program special.

It’s already been positive to have him on board. He has been brought tremendous energy and innovation to the planning process. He has clear ideas on how to work as a strong group that supports each individual athlete needs.